UPCOMING EVENTS

Halo is coming back to the personal computer. Microsoft revealed today that it is launching Halo: The Master Chief Collection on Windows. This bundle previously launched on Xbox One and includes Halo, Halo 2, Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST, and Halo 4. Now, Microsoft is also planning to add Halo: Reach as it releases the collection on Steam and the Windows Store.

Developer 343 Industries isn’t doing this as a simple port. Instead, it is updating these games to take advantage of the unique characteristics of the PC. That means tuning it for mouse-and-keyboard controls, but it also means a lot of extra options as well.

“For the team at 343 Industries, the most important and critical element of this project is ensuring that Halo: The Master Chief Collection delivers a true ‘first class’ experience on PC,” 343 community director Brian Jarrard said. “We’re embarking on a journey with our community to build a PC experience that delivers on PC gamer expectations. The team is passionately committed to ensuring that all of the features, bells, and whistles expected in a modern PC title are included with MCC.”

The studio is promising to have options like a field-of-view slider as well as support for HDR and ultra-wide 21:9 monitor.

But when is it coming?

Microsoft did not give a specific release date. It did, however, detail how it plans to roll the game out to fans.

Instead of releasing The Master Chief Collection as one full package, 343 intends to launch it pieces over time. Now, if you are antsy to get to Halo: Reach first, however, don’t worry. That’s coming up first.

“Our current plan is for this journey to begin with the launch of Halo: Reach – the fictional beginnings of Master Chief’s saga – with the rest of the titles following in chronological order thereafter,” said Jarrard. “Halo: Reach, Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2, Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST (Campaign), and Halo 4 will each be available for individual purchase within MCC as they become available. And each game will evolve and grow over time with community input.”

If you are on Xbox One, meanwhile, you will get Halo: Reach for free if you already own the game and as part of the Xbox Game Pass subscription.